Following the major retrospective of Barbara Hepworth’s work at Tate St Ives, join us for this Hepworth-inspired webinar using the artist’s remarkable series of drawings as a starting point.

This new series of online classes, ‘Postcards from …’ will use the places in and around St Ives that inspired an international roster of artists including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, Bryan Wynter and Patrick Heron.  

Focusing in particular on sites which captured these artists’ imagination, Postcards from… will take you on a creative journey to the famous spots around St Ives including its harbour, Porthmeor Beach and its cobbled, winding streets, lined with stone fishermen’s houses. Using films of these familiar landscapes, led by one of our experienced tutors, this series will transport you to these inspiring St Ives locations, wherever you are in the world. 

The outbreak of the second world war put enormous restrictions on Hepworth’s time, materials and studio space. Creating an exquisite body of abstract and figurative works during this period, drawings were a more accessible outlet for Hepworth’s creativity. Drawings also, however, became substitutes for sculptures when Hepworth’s time and resources were restricted due to domestic chores and childcare. Writing to a friend Hepworth said:

‘If I didn’t have to cook, wash-up, nurse children ad infinitum, I should carve carve carve. The proof of this is in the drawings. They are not just ways of amusing myself nor are they experimental probings – they are my sculptures born in the disguise of two dimensions.’

Led by artist Hilary Jean Gibson, this webinar uses Hepworth’s lesser-known artistic output to see how drawing was an important means for the artist to explore forms that influenced her practice as a sculptor. Hilary will be working live from our historic studios overlooking Porthmeor Beach, but you can join us wherever you are in the world.

What will I learn?

1. Learn about the lesser-known creative outputs of Barbara Hepworth.
2. See how to draw more sculpturally and to add texture and form to your drawings.
3. See how to capture light, tone and shade in your drawings.

Who would this course suit?

Beginners and those with more experience are both welcome to join. If you are looking to learn new ways to expand your drawing and painting practice, or just inspiration by looking to other artists, this course is for you.

How does an online session work?

You can watch the webinar on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. You will also be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world.

Share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting

What to Bring

A list of materials that you will need for the course will be available in your online learning system upon purchase.

You will need access to the internet and either a Smart TV, PC or laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable however cast your phone to a Smart TV.